Northern Cardinal

(Cardinalis cardinalis)

Where: Richmond, VA • Glidewell Rd.

Notes: The blessing of foot and a half of pure white snow brings a wonderland to any backyard. Along with the cold temperatures, comes the challenge of snow-blinding the photograph's exposure. Once compensated for, the brightness of the occasion brought many opportunities to photograph some of my favorite backyard birds. With their intense red plumage, sharp crest and black mask, Northern Cardinals are said to have brought more people to their first bird book that any other. Plus, their conspicuous color is very consistent through out the year, even when molting. Even the familiar females (left) are softly tinted in warm golden browns, with hints of red here and there. They attract readily to bird feeders and are widespread and common where they exist in eastern North America. They are even the state bird for seven different states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia!